Becoming a Connected Educator

In Service/Professional Development
Vernon Township School District

Meeting Dates: March 12, 19, April 9, 16, 23, 30

Class Hashtag: #vtsdteach

Essential Question:

Does being a connected educator foster student learning?

Read: What is a Connected Educator? (Excerpt from Connected Educator Month Starter Kit)

What is a Connected Educator?
A connected educator considers herself foremost a Connected Learner

Connected Learners:

• Connect with communities of learners around the globe
• Construct knowledge from wherever they live
• Bring what they learn back to their schools and districts
• Share their love of connected learning with their students
• Inspire their students to become connected learners too!

Characteristics:

• Is a co-learner, co-creator, and co-leader
• Is self-directed and wants to learn
• Is open-minded and willing to think about differing understandings
• Is transparent in thinking.
• Commits to reflection and questions their own practice
• Engages in Inquiry
• Values and engages in a culture of collegiality
• Commits to understanding gained by listening and asking good questions
• Shares and contributes freely, knowing that their thoughts and ideas will bring meaning to the conversation
• Continually explores ideas and concepts

Why?

• You have the opportunity to direct your learning: to learn what you want, when you want and in the way you want to learn
• You have the opportunity to learn in a collaborative, non-threatening environment
• You have the opportunity to learn, create and deepen your understanding with like-minded, passion driven educators
• You have the opportunity to make change!

Adapted from:

Nussbaum-Beach, Sheryl and Hall, Lani Ritter. The Connected Educator. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press, 2012, Print..

Logo Photo "Chain Link Fence", Rishabh Mishra. Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/possible248/3695593674/